Laboratory experimental study on GESC combined with electroosmosis for ground improvement

To verify the effect of electrokinetic geosynthetics-encased stone columns (GESC) combined with electroosmosis on soft soil foundation reinforcement, laboratory experiments were conducted using non-encased stone columns (SC), GESC, and GESC combined with electroosmosis (E-GESC). The energy consumption coefficient and drainage rate of electroosmosis, the shear strength and water content distribution of the soil, and the deformation law of the pile section after static load tests at different depths were studied. The experimental results showed that the strength of the soil around the pile increased after electroosmosis, enabling better support for the pile body, while the pile–soil stress ratio of the gravel pile was reduced and side friction resistance was effectively exerted. Moreover, the expansion deformation distribution of the gravel pile in both the E-GESC and GESC configurations was basically the same, and the maximum radial deformation was less than that observed in the SC. Most of the deformation occurred within a range of two times the pile diameter below the boundary line of the wrapped section. The ultimate bearing capacity of the composite foundation formed by the E-GESC method was 6.6 times that of the SC and 3.8 times that of the GESC, demonstrating a significantly enhanced reinforcement effect.